News & Publications

In an attempt to address the complexities surrounding empty property relief from business rates, changes have been made to legislation that apply from 1st April 2024. The amendments concern the eligibility criteria for seeking empty property relief. Empty property relief from business rates can be claimed on commercial properties that are empty for three months (or six months for industrial and warehouse properties). Previously, if the property was then let for a period of six [...]

On July 8, 2024, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States ("CFIUS") issued a proposed rule that would significantly expand its jurisdiction to review foreign persons' real estate transactions in the United States. Comments will be due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Background CFIUS has jurisdiction to review transactions by foreign persons involving real estate that is located near or within, or functions as part of, certain designated U.S. government sites, military [...]

JEFFERSON COUNTY, WI – On June 24, Jefferson County Judge Bennett J. Brantmeier found that Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been misinforming the public by stating, in DNR guidance literature and on the DNR website, that citizens may ignore the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) on a river bank or lake shoreline, and travel unrestricted onto temporarily submerged land above the OHWM, "as long as they 'keep their feet wet.'" The Court invalidated the [...]